In home pet euthanasia near me
Give your pet the final gift of a peaceful passing at home, surrounded by familiarity and love through a compassionate and licensed veterinarian near you.
Navigating the process
Provide your furry companion with a compassionate, end-of-life care in the comfort of your home, surrounded by loved ones with expert care of a certified veterinarian serving your community.
Pet euthanasia is a compassionate choice to end an animal companion’s suffering from a poor quality of life due to illness, injury, or old age.
A veterinarian administers medication that peacefully ends the pet’s life. The process is usually quick and painless, allowing the animal to gently pass on.
Consult with your veterinarian about your pet’s condition and quality of life. They will help you better understand the process and make an informed decision.
Feeling grief, guilt, and uncertainty is normal during this challenging time. Our community of veterinarians provide you with support and guidance through this challenging time.
Deciding when it's time for end-of-life care for your pet is very difficult. Look for signs that your pet is suffering, such as loss of appetite, difficulty moving, or changes in behavior. Trust your instincts and notice how they respond to their favorite activities. It's important to talk to your vet, who can provide guidance based on their health and quality of life. Remember, you know your pet best, and your love for them will help you make the right choice. It's a painful decision, but ensuring your pet's comfort and dignity shows how much you care. Read more about how CodaPet can help you make the right choice.
For many years, the common term for euthanasia was “put to sleep.” It's also a good description of what happens during the procedure.
- Your veterinarian will perform the same procedure your dog or cat would receive at a veterinary hospital or clinic, in the comfort of your home.
- Your veterinarian relaxes your pet by administering a sedative. The shot will feel like getting a vaccine.
- Once the sedative is in full effect (within 5 to 15 minutes), your pet will be deep asleep, relieved of all suffering.
- Finally, the veterinarian will give a shot of anesthesia to slow down your pet’s respiratory system until the heart stops beating. In most cases, this takes less than a minute to occur.
- Whether death is natural or assisted, the following effects may occur:
- Legs and ears may twitch as if the animal is dreaming. At this point, your pet is unconscious and unaware of its body movements.
- Some medications may cause nausea for the pet resulting in vomiting.
- As the body and consequently muscles relax, so do the bladder and the bowels which can lead to urination and or defecation. The loss of muscle tone in the eyelids may result in the pet’s eyes remaining partially open.
Your veterinarian will arrive wearing regular clothes to better fit the home environment. They will bring a stethoscope and other “tools of the trade.” The at-home appointment typically lasts 20 to 45 minutes based on your needs and preferences.
- We aim to make your final moments with your pet as peaceful as possible by providing care with compassion, patience, and understanding.
- Show your veterinarian the area in your home you’ve chosen for the procedure.
- Consider keeping some of your pet’s favorite treats on hand for them to enjoy before the procedure.
- Your veterinarian will explain as much or as little about what they’re about to do, depending on your comfort level. Feel free to ask questions along the way.
- You may want to invite family members and loved ones, both human and four-legged, to gather close to your pet.
- Keep enough space for the veterinarian to work.
- Ask everyone gathered around to remain calm through the process.
- Once you’re ready, your veterinarian will begin the actual procedure.
Throughout the process, if at any point you'd like more time or have any special requests, please let us know. We will do our best to help and give you the time you need. Our goal is to help your pet’s passing be as dignified and peaceful as possible.
After the procedure, your veterinarian will ask if you to take as much time as you need with your pet after they have passed.
When you're ready, they will confirm how you want to handle your pet's body. You can choose from two cremation services:
- Ashes returned - physical barriers keep each pet separate so you get your pet's ashes back.
- No ashes returned - your pet's ashes will be scattered respectfully with other pets by the crematorium.
If you leave your pet's body with us, your veterinarian will treat it with great care, respect, and dignity.
We will handle all the aftercare arrangements as you asked, so you can take care of yourself and your loved ones after saying goodbye.
Most pet owners decide on aftercare services the day before the euthanasia appointment.
You can choose to handle your pet’s body yourself, or cremation services. Learn more about the aftercare options CodaPet provides here.
If you change your mind on how to handle your pet’s remains on the day of the procedure, let your veterinarian know. We are flexible and understand these and are here to support your decision.
Losing a pet is incredibly difficult, and it's natural to feel sad, angry, or confused. You might deeply miss your pet and feel a profound sense of emptiness. It's completely normal to cry or even have trouble sleeping and eating. Sharing memories, talking openly about your pet, or exploring meaningful ways to memorialize your beloved companion can offer comfort.
Remember, everyone grieves differently, so take the time you need. It's perfectly okay to seek support from friends, family, or even a professional counselor. Your feelings are valid, and caring for yourself throughout this process is important. Explore our detailed resources on coping with pet loss and the grieving process for additional guidance.
Veterinarians that honor the bond with your pet
What pet parents are saying
Overall service rating from over 3878+ reviews
We had an appointment scheduled for an upcoming Friday and we knew Tuesday morning we couldn't wait. Dr. Carol Earls came same day and was so kind and peaceful and caring. She was patient, calmly explained the process to us, answered our questions, and made sure we felt comfortable and not rushed. It was the first time we've used in-home euthanasia services and I honestly wouldn't do it any other way in the future. It was a far more peaceful experience for not just us but our Lilly girl too.
Dr. Briell was amazing! She was so patient, explained everything she was going to do before she did it, and really helped us during a very difficult time. Dr.Briell got to know our Emma which really meant a lot. Emma mattered to her and us. I had wondered if I was doing the right thing at the right time. Emma had a good day which made me double think my decision. Dr. Briell pointed out some of Emma’s behaviors as we were watching her walk around. She picked up on her pain and I could then see it too. This reassurance was priceless to me. I held my precious Emma in her final moments and was comforted in the fact that she was finally free of her pain. She was at peace. Dr. Briell then took great care of our fur baby, cradling her in a soft blanket and placing her in a new pet bed. We had asked for her to be cremated and Dr. Briell took care of that for us. Looking back, it was a very beautiful experience. We can’t thank Dr. Briell enough for her care and kindness!
Dr Mills is an amazing human being. She so very caring, compassionate and comforting! Her time with us was incredible, she explained everything in detail, she love on our sweet boy to help him feel comfortable and relaxed. She talk with me, answered my questions and made me feel comfortable with my decision to let my sweet boy go. It was his time and I didn’t want him to suffer any longer. I was extremely happy to be able to do this in my home where we were both comfortable. I HIGHLY recommend Dr.Mills if you have to say goodbye to your furbaby!
Chico was euthanized at our home by Dr. Meadows and his assistant. They let us set the pace and spent time comforting us as they helped our sweet rescue pup (who was a little skittish around people) pass peacefully and quickly. It has been heart-wrenching to lose a dog at only four years of age due to cancer. Dr. Meadows and his assistant guided all of us through this difficult time with compassion and kindness, and even sent a personalized sympathy card afterwards to honor Chico. It’s never an easy decision, but if it’s one you need to make, this is the gentlest way to go, and I would highly recommend Dr Meadows for in-home pet euthanasia.
Our baby had the most honorable discharge — not only peaceful but deeply spiritual. I did not know what to expect, but the experience was comforting from beginning to end. Dr. Pugh guided us with her nonjudgmental ear, insightful wisdom, personal stories about her own mother, and a research-based guidance tool that put us at ease. I never valued quantitative data-collecting methods, such as the QOL survey, as much as I do now. We were grateful she shared this tool with us, because it allowed us to see the future clearly. As Dr. Pugh reminded us, “better to be a week early than a day late.” We are so thankful that she was our doctor — her compassion, clarity, and hugs made all the difference in one of the most difficult moments of our lives. From our ChatGPT deep dive on who to choose, she did not disappoint.
Dr. Sara was kind and compassionate during one of the most difficult moments for a pet owner. She allowed us to move along at our own pace during our dog Jack's crossing over the rainbow bridge, and let us take as much time as needed for each stage of the process. I highly recommend her as a vet for anyone that is facing this difficult time.
Quality-of-life survey
Gauge your pet’s well-being by answering questions to examine various aspects of your pet’s daily life such as mobility, happiness, and appetite.
Questions you may have
We allow cancellations at no fee to you for appointments canceled more than 4 hours before your start time. If you cancel your appointment less than 4 hours before your appointment time you will be subject to a cancellation fee of $100.
Your vet reserves time in their schedule exclusively for you, so we ask you to cancel as soon as you are able so that your vet may help another family in need.
Note: You can cancel or reschedule your appointment on your booking confirmation page or find a link to it in your booking confirmation email.
You have the option to have your vet respectfully transport your pet to the crematorium. Depending on your preference, your pet’s ashes can either be lovingly returned to you or respectfully spread with other pets.
Note: If you choose to have your pet’s ashes returned to you, your vet will coordinate the return of your pet’s ashes at the time of your appointment.
The total cost includes the in-home pet euthanasia service fee, any applicable travel fees, and a platform fee. Depending on your preferences, additional fees may apply for cremation services or memorial keepsakes.
Yes, your vet will offer a variety of meaningful memorabilia you can purchase if you choose to request the return of your pet's ashes. After selecting your vet and preferred cremation option, you'll have the opportunity to review and choose from available keepsake options. You may also find comfort in exploring our suggestions for pet memorial ideas.
Note: You may also choose to add the memorabilia or change your mind about your choice at the time of your appointment.
During your appointment, your vet will carefully confirm your preferred aftercare option with you. If you choose cremation, your vet will manage your pet’s gentle transportation to a local crematorium. If your selected cremation service includes receiving your pet’s ashes, your vet will clearly explain the process for returning your pet's ashes and provide an estimated timeline for their return.
In the case of wanting a private burial, if your city/county regulations allow, you can choose to bury your pet. Please check local regulations to see if this is legal in your area.
If you want to bury your pet in a cemetery, you will need to choose and make arrangements with a local pet cemetery before the euthanasia appointment. Please be sure to let your CodaPet vet know if you have planned for such a burial.
Note: Your vet can only assist with cremation options, and does not handle burials of any type.
During in-home pet euthanasia, your veterinarian will first ensure your pet is comfortable by administering a gentle sedative, allowing your pet to relax peacefully. Once fully sedated, the veterinarian will give the euthanasia solution, which painlessly stops your pet's heart within moments. You'll have as much time as needed to say goodbye, and afterward, your veterinarian will discuss aftercare options with you, such as cremation or burial arrangements. Learn more with our Complete Guide to Pet Euthanasia.
No one can give you a “one-size-fits-all” answer—because you, your pet, your situation are all unique. Give yourself space to consider how much quality of life your dog or cat has, and how that affects everyone concerned—you, your pet, and other members of your family. We can help you evaluate your pet’s quality of life, and help you think through some of the other factors that may affect your decision. Read more
